GPs are to stop prescribing a range of common drugs within weeks in a bid to save the NHS money.

The medications are routinely prescribed for 35 conditions but will no longer be available free on prescription from your local pharmacist.

But people are being advised they will be able to buy the drugs over the counter and while those who get free prescriptons will now have to pay - those who pay for precriptions could save themselves a few pounds.

Conditions for which common drugs will no longer be prescribed include coughs, colds and mild diarrhoea, nappy rash, conjunctivitis and head lice - reports GloucestershireLive .

That means GPs in areas wjich follow the guifance will no longer prescribe medicines for 35 minor, short term conditions which medics say will either get better by themselves or need simple over the counter remedies.

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The list of 35 includes medicines for coughs, colds, infrequent cold sores of the lip, mild to moderate hayfever, mild cystitis, nappy rash, warts and verrucas, earwax and head lice.

GPs will still be allowed to prescribe over the counter medicines for long term or more complex conditions or when the doctor considers not doing so would impact on the patient’s wellbeing due to health, mental health or significant social vulnerability.

NHS chiefs also hope the decision will help ease some of the pressure on GP surgeries as pharmacies take charge of the self-care of minor ailments, medicines and signposting to other services if needed.